Knowledgeable, patient computer help in Southern Oregon

Service Manual: Set up printer

Written by

swells

in

This is the basic outline of what I do in providing the “set up printer” a la carte service. Feel free to use the information is you want to do it yourself, or contact me to have me set up your printer.

  • Price
  • Functionality
    • Do they want an MFP? (multifunction)
    • Do they need remote access to the printer? (Network vs Bluetooth)
  • Laser vs inkjet
    • Factors:
      • Cost
        • Initial unit
          • Inkjet cheaper
        • Operating costs
          • Laser lower per page
        • Speed
          • Laser much faster
        • Print quality
          • Laser much better b/w text
          • Inkjet vivid colors
        • Printing frequency
          • Inkjet drying can clog print heads
          • Toner powder never dries out
  • Resources

  • Computer OS
    • Firewalls?
    • Bluetooth?
    • Is the OS version up to date?
  • Network Name
    • Network type (wifi vs ethernet)
  • Printer brand and model
    • MFD (multifunction device) or single function printer
    • Basic type (usually inkjet or laser, b/w or color or both)
    • Model set-up options (wifi, bluetooth, ethernet)
      • IP-based or web-based

  • Plug in device to power
  • Update OS
  • Connect to Windows computer or network
    • Computer:
      • Start => Settings => Devices => Printers & scanners
        • Choose add printer
        • Select the new printer from the list & select Add device
    • Network:
      • Connect printer to network per manufacturer instructions.
        • If any problems, to to Printers & scanner settings
          • Look for the printer in the list
          • If not seen, add a printer & scanner
    • Bluetooth:
      • Start => Settings => Bluetooth & devices
      • Make sure bluetooth is switched on 
      • Turn on printer & make it discoverable (per manufacturer instructions)
      • On computer: Start => Settings=> Bluetooth & devices => printers & scanners
      • Once the printer is found, click Add device
  • Run a test page from the computer
    • Start => Settings => Bluetooth & Devices => click on Printers & Scanners.  Select printer from the list, click on Printer Properties, on the General tab, click the Print Test Page button
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Windows printer troubleshooter in Windows 11.
      • Get Help app => printer troubleshooter
    • Beware that some ARM PCs may not be able to use the manufacturer’s installer
    • Follow the steps in the fix printer connection and printing problems in windows page below
  • Generate instructions &/or screen video of how to print in major applications
  • Windows resources:

  • Chromebook – must have a Chromebook compatible printer
    • Update Chrome OS
    • Turn on printer
    • Connect printer to network
      • See manufacturer instructions
    • Sign in to Chromebook on same network
    • Save printer to Chromebook
      • Select Time (bottom right) => Settings => Device => Printers & Scanners => select Print
      • Under “other available printers, select Save
    • Test by printing a page
    • Generate instructions &/or screen video of how to print in major applications
    • Troubleshooting:
      • Is the printer Chromebook compatible?
      • Remove printer and reinstall
      • Update printer firmware
      • Install manually by IP address
      • Install PostScript Printer Description (PPD)
    • Chromebook resources:

  • Update iOS or iPad OS
  • Set up printer on network (under computer instructions)
  • Try to print using the Share button in the app you are using.
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Is the printer AirPrint compatible? 
    • Are you on a VPN (virtual private network) 
  • Generate instructions &/or screen video of how to print in major applications
  • iPhone/iPad resources:

  • Android
    • Update Android OS
    • Set up printer on the network (under computer instructions)
    • Add the print service on Android device: Settings => Connected devices => Connection preferences => Printing.  Tap Add service and enter the printer information
    • Turn printing on for the Android device: Connected devices => Connection preferences=> Printing.  Select a print service (a background program) and turn it on 
    • Motorola Razr & Samsung specifics:
      • Start with Default Print Service
      • If the printer doesn’t show up, add a service from the Google Play store
    • Print a test page from a supported app: https://printtestpage.org
    • Take a screenshot if app doesn’t support printing
    • Troubleshooting:
    • Generate instructions &/or screen video of how to print in major applications

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